I think the contemplative mind is the most absolute assault on the secular or rational worldview, because it really is a different mind—a different point of view.
The mind that I call the “small self” or the “false self” reads everything in terms of personal advantage, short-term effort, “What’s in it for me?”—and “How will I look?”, “How will I look good?” As long as you read reality from the reference point of the small self of “how I personally feel” or “what I need or want,” you cannot get very far. The lens never opens up.
Thus the great religions have taught that we need to change the seer much more than just telling people what to see—that is contemplation.
Adapted from CAC Foundation Set: Gospel Call to Compassionate Action
(Bias from the Bottom) and Contemplative Prayer
(CD, DVD, MP3)
Down We Go: Living Into the Wild Ways of Jesus Publisher: Civitas Press ISBN 978-0615467900
Kathy Escobar, co-pastor of a missional Church community in the Denver area called The Refugeoffers a primer (I know it’s an old fashioned word) about how communities of faith can engage in practices that replicate the ‘downward mobility’ that Jesus modeled in his life and ministry. The author cut her pastoral teeth as a woman in the decidedly male world of an evangelical megachurch.
This volume is part spiritual autobiography, part journal of a real community of faith and part clarion call to individuals and communities that are trying to really follow Jesus. As many of us do after a time in ministry, we struggle with the disconnect between God’s work in the world, the cost of discipleship and the structures and organizational policies and politics that seem sometimes to be in opposition to one another.
The main strength of the book is Escobar’s clear and very readable writing style combined with easily digested chapters that include reflection and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The writing is an accessible combination of scripture, personal reflection and real-life examples of what downward mobility is and how it is consistent with Jesus’ call upon us as disciples.
Part I of the book describes her call to a life of downward mobility the reflects the way Jesus lived his earthly life and places Escobar and her journey in that context.
Part II is about the eight practices that she says characterize this ‘downwardly mobile, Jesus’ kind of life and community. They are:
Extending Love, Mercy and Compassion
Welcoming Pain
Honoring Doubt
Diffusing Power
Practicing Equality
Pursuing Justice
Cultivating Creativity
Celebrating Freedom
Part III is entitled Staying the Course and gives practical examples of what she calls a “Beautiful and Hazardous” way of life.
I think this book is a natural for pastoral leaders and congregations to read together in order to get an idea of what being ‘missional’ is all about as the Church continues to pursue God’s mission of restoration and reconciliation in the world.
I’ll be the first to admit that until this weekend I had only known of Amy Winehouse by her bad girl behavior. When I got word of her death, I remember thinking, “in other news, the sun rose this morning in the east.” That was unkind and a more than a bit flip. Not because the fact don’t fit the analogy, but because I knew on some level that I was judging what I didn’t know.
That became abundantly clear to me when I read Tony Bennett’s comment about her death after recording with her on his forthcoming Duets II:
“Amy Winehouse was an artist of immense proportions, and I am deeply saddened to learn of her tragic passing,” Bennett said. “She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist, and I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end. She was a lovely and intelligent person, and when we recorded together she gave a soulful and extraordinary performance. I was honored to have the opportunity to sing with her. It had been my sincere hope that she would be able to overcome the issues she was battling and I send my deepest sympathy to her father Mitchell, her entire family and all of those who loved her.”
For me, Tony Bennett has always been about fairness, class and compassion. As the news continued to emerge about Amy Winehouse and her talents, I did what I should have done from the very beginning, I listened to her music.
Just as her near-contemporary, Adele, Winehouse was a powerhouse with a sense of American R&B mixed with her own particular talent and genius that was stunning to me. What set her apart from so many others was her voice to be sure, but also the emotional impact and raw honesty that her writing and lyrics conveyed.
To hear and really listen to the words of her recording of the year for 2008 Rehab, one can hear the depression, and hopelessness that accompanies addiction in these lines;
I don’t ever wanna drink again
I just, ooh, I just need a friend
I’m not gonna spend ten weeks
Have everyone think I’m on the mend
And it’s not just my pride
It’s just ’til these tears have dried
Tony Bennett, Russell Brand and others used the word ‘genius’ to describe Amy Winehouse and her work. As I reflected on the demons that she clearly could not shake, I was struck by the work of Ray Charles, another master who was tormented by substance abuse.
Ray Charles’ last album, released posthumously was aptly entitled Genius Loves Company. Which was, ironically, a series of duets with unlikely collaborators with some measure of genius in their own right.
It seems as though in the midst of what so many saw as Amy Winehouse’s obvious and tragic decline, she was keenly aware in the previously mentioned lyrics form Rehab that she needed friendship and some company. I do hope she will find the peace in death that she so desperately seemed to seek in this life.
Here’s a stripped down version of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab. Before watching it I’d ask you to consider this prayer as one for all those who struggle with addiction and who’s names we’ll never know. They, indeed all of us, need friends more than we’ll ever know. And, if we’re honest, we’re all addicted to one thing or another.
Blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen. (from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979)
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